BNSF names Burlington Junction Railway “Shortline of the Year”

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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BNSF

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) recognized the Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY) Oct. 20, naming the shortline as its 2016 “Shortline of the Year” at the company’s annual Shortline Conference.

 

Officials say BNSF awarded BJRY the title because of the railway’s commitment to encouraging safety efforts and building customer relations and growth opportunities, also noting the railroad has not faced any Federal Railroad Administration reportable injuries since BJRY’s formation in 1985.

“As a company who prioritizes safety, we wanted to recognize a fellow railroad who exemplifies what it means to be safe,” said Merril Lieb, assistant vice president, BNSF Interline/Shortline Development. 

BJRY’s notable achievements in 2015 included moving 100 frac sand unit trains and constructing a 2,000-foot stretch of interchange track in Quincy, Ill. Representatives say the shortline’s volumes grew 8 percent in 2015 by collaborating with BNSF, despite the strains affecting the freight market.

“Our success is due to us having the best employees of any operation. Customers constantly report that our employees genuinely care about their problems and concerns. This award is a credit to them and their dedication to our railroad,” said Bob Wingate, general manager, BJRY. 

BJRY operates out of eight locations based in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, moving about 15,000 carloads per year, officials say. Headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, the shortline ships goods such as lumber, tallow, resin, frac sand and frozen foods.

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